Brassée de lavande automaton. Rose, yellow and white gold, pink sapphires, amethysts, tiger's eye, verdite, howlite, diamonds, enamel, lacquer, ebony, leather, aluminium, steel. Automaton and mechanical movements, 12-hour/minute function on a 360-degree rotating ring, 8-day power reserve, on-demand animation with a melody, carillon of 5 bells and hammers. Extraordinary Objects™ collection, Van Cleef & Arpels.

Brassée de Lavande

automaton
- Extraordinary Objects

Brassée de Lavande

automaton

A source of wonder since 2017, the Extraordinary Objects™ collection has been enriched by a unique new piece, the Brassée de Lavande automaton. Assembled at the Maison’s Mécanique d’Art (Art Mechanics) Workshop in Sainte-Croix, the creation pays tribute to the wonders of flora and fauna in an enchanting scene that expresses the Poetry of Time dear to Van Cleef & Arpels. This collective work, which required several years of research and development, skillfully combines movement and music to tell a new story.

Approximately 12 inches (30 centimeters) tall, the automaton reveals an enchanting spectacle when its animation is activated. The lavender corolla gradually opens, as if moved by a light breeze, revealing a butterfly which flutters in a swirling motion. Its wings are adorned with orange plique-à-jour enamel, contrasting with the diamonds and opaque black enamel that lines their contours. The rest of its body is made of tiger’s eye, the eyes of two amethyst cabochons, and the antennae are punctuated with diamonds. It soars gracefully above a cluster of golden beads set with amethysts. After taking flight, the butterfly finds refuge in the heart of the bouquet, which gently closes around it.

Step into Van Cleef & Arpels' workshops

Swipe to discover

Collecting pigments for the lacquer, Van Cleef & Arpels.

Applying the pigments for the lacquer, Van Cleef & Arpels.

Lacquer airbrush application on the rose gold corolla, Van Cleef & Arpels.

Lacquer brush application on the lavender flower, Van Cleef & Arpels.

Comparing the lacquered lavender sprig to the original drawing, Van Cleef & Arpels.

Curling into themselves, the sprigs of the Brassée de Lavande automaton in lacquered rose gold form a vegetal dome concealing a secret. Thirty-six stems arranged in two rows overlap and intertwine in a voluminous composition. Delicate green leaves and blue flowers adorn the branches, their hues harmoniously conversing with one another.